For tourists, the two most famous and fun shopping areas are Taksim Square and the Grand Bazaar. Here is a list of useful phrases in Moroccan which will help you during your stay, along with their pronunciation the list includes important Moroccan Arabic phrases and greetings. Between 60% and 80% of Morocco's population is Berber speakers. Published 30 December 2018. Eastern Arabic speakers can't understand Moroccan Darija. But when you greet a Moroccan in Arabic, a whole new world of … Zouin/zouina– beautiful or nice (male/female). If you don't speak any at all, buy a good phrase book (or an app for your phone) and refer to it often! Granted, that’s not something that most people need to talk about in daily communication over here, but I can’t help thinking those types of phrases must be out there somewhere. How to negotiate. The largest oasis in the world is in Morocco ; An influencer quote. Basics Hello. Tourist murder video 'appears genuine' Published 21 December 2018. Tourists will hear it a lot, get used to it, brace yourself! Love, Lust, and Morocco. Duringyour travels in Morocco, it is very useful to know and use some Arabic words to negotiate prices in shops, restaurants or hotels .It will always make a very good impression and will allow you to stand out from the crowd of tourists and show you are willing to make an effort in their country. Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hello, I was in Morocco in January and I took a tour with AribVoyages into the Sahara desert where our tour guide shared a very pleasant phrase that meant something along the lines of “to live a worry free life because I am an honest man”. The Idrisids overthrew them lat… Morocco recognizes both Modern Standard Arabic and Berber as its official languages. Here's a look at the phrases … Some are loan words—or corruptions of loan words—often from Amazigh, French, and Spanish, while others were created in Morocco. Credit: Here are 10 things to know before you go. But first we need to know what the role of Phrases is in the structure of the grammar in Moroccan. See you later (to a male) – ntlaqaw menba’d. Some phrases in this phrasebook still need to be translated. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. However, Morocco remains closed for tourists for the foreseeable future. Useful phrases; Weather in Morocco; Useful information ; Introduction to Morocco. Here are some of the most commonly used expressions in Morocco for english speakers who might want to visit us someday! Al-hamdu-lillah = Praise be to god. Can't help with the complete phrase, David, but you have is 'anduk', head is 'ras' and couscous is … Or perhaps you’d rather order the ubiquitous shay Maghrebi—a.k.a Moroccan mint tea. If you are about to travel to Morocco, this is exactly what you are looking for! Pick up Some Moroccan Darija Travel Phrases for Your Next Trip to Morocco! Here, then, is a brief guide to Moroccan phrases. How to negotiate. If you want to experience how Turkish people live, you can also try to go to a modern day bazaar, held in most neighbourhoods at least once a week. They demand answers in their language while neglecting the customary behaviors and polite phrases that you’d expect from your countrymen. Any suggestions? When you have had enough food and feel like exploding, the phrase to use is safi or baraka  (“enough”). Moroccan Arabic is, however, the main language used at home and in the streets of Morocco for everyday conversation, along with Berber. Moroccan Phrases. Most Moroccan’s speak at least a little French except in some of the more remote locations. Answer 1 of 3: I want to learn a few basic phrases for my trip to Morocco and I've been doing some research. MoroccanLanguage. (“how are you”)  is always appreciated. I’ve been to different countries, seen different cultures, faced different traditions and heard different languages. If you know anything about this language, you can help by plunging forward and translating a phrase. I was once told that, at a Moroccan restaurant, you can tell the number of courses to be served by counting the stacked tablecloths. Here are 10 useful phrases in Arabic that you can use to make yourself feel more local. Moroccan Arabic - a practical guide to learning Moroccan Darija - the Arabic dialect of Morocco (2nd edition) By Aaron Sakulich Rajae Khaloufi, Editor George F Roberson, Publisher and Project Director. That said, it still helps to learn some of the basic phrases, especially those to do with greetings. La bas = fine (yes, the response is the same as the question) {literally, no harm, also used in response to the French "ca va"?} These common Turkish words and phrases for tourists will help you out. = How are you? Easy to use FLASH CARD format - simplified format allows for easy learning Moroccan Arabic - a practical guide to learning Moroccan Darija - the Arabic dialect of Morocco (2nd edition) By Aaron Sakulich Rajae Khaloufi, Editor George F Roberson, Publisher and Project Director. The indigenous people of this area, the Amazigh (Berber), have inhabited the land since at least 10,000 BCE. Stick to English, you'll be fine. In fact, they’ll probably be thrilled that you, too, know their secret code. People greet each other, no matter the situation. English speakers abound in Morocco. here are some interesting Moroccan Arabic expressions and phrases. Useful Moroccan Phrases. … good boy – weld mezyan. Morocco tourist murders: Swiss man held. Embark on an enveloping wellness break in Morocco! If necessary the trader will tap out the price on a calculator. Of course you’re going to be a little grumpy when you respond! This is used to make your sentence or question polite and respectful. ‎Moroccan Traveller's Phrases PRO EDITION - 400 TERMS AND PHRASES Teach yourself Moroccan Arabic terms and phrases. Filmed in Marrakesh, Morocco. It incorporates both reader suggestions and grammatical … I met Coatsy in 2001 in Morocco while working on 'Black Hawk Down.'. How to negotiate. Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2021. It can be said about anything.. weather, clothes, city… Wakha– OK/ deal/ I agree; Sir bhalek– go away. Don’t forget beslama (“goodbye”) when you’re out the door. Moroccan National Tourist Office ; Language and essential vocabulary ; Health and well-being ; Currency in Morocco ; Time zone and calendar ; Means of communication ; Useful apps for travelling in Morocco ; Blog. Learning the Moroccan Phrases is very important because its structure is used in every day conversation. We made this big selection of basic Arabic words for complete beginners to learning Arabic. The Rule: If you are male, you end sentences with the word (khrup/krap) similarly if you are female, you end your sentences with the word (ka/kap). In addition to pronunciation differences and alternate grammar forms, there are also many words that are different in Darija. Taking its place at the north west corner of Africa, Morocco is an interesting meeting point with Europe. ... Football phrases. They affirmed their adherence to Islam in formulated phrases, but they behaved as though they believed, and actually did believe, something quite different. I apologize for butchering any spellings. I have translated a few phrases via Google Translate, but I never know if it's right, after all, we have different words and meanings that might not translate very well. It is not written down nor used for official speeches or news programs; only Standard Arabic is used for those purposes. Phrases in English in Moroccan Arabic Listen Context Help me, please. Read the Fodor's reviews, or post your own. Whilst COVD 19 has not gone away, the world is opening up again to travellers. I want to run this by you all to see if I'm on the right track. With difficulty, if these tourism slogans are anything to go by. About Casablanca. True, it’s not even Modern Standard Arabic (which, if you are lucky, you may have studied in school). La bas = fine (yes, the response is the same as the question) {literally, no harm, also used in response to the French "ca va"?} No, the primary language in Morocco is Darija, an Arabic dialect with about a 50-percent similarity to standard Arabic. Hi guys, Unfortunately I am not yet bilingual, so was wondering if you could maybe suggest some phrases that would be helpful in Marrakech? While words like شكرا —pronounced shoukran (thank you)—and مرحبا —pronounced marhabaan (hello/welcome)—are useful Arabic words when travelling in Morocco, the following words are all used in Moroccan … Well, that may be so—but you are in Morocco, and the language of choice is Arabic. SimplyMorocco.com - Learn Moroccan words and useful phrases. Here you'll find over 150 essential phrases for your trip. marHaban bikum! Moroccan Arabic is, however, the main language used at home and in the streets of Morocco … You will find people with a good level of English working at museums, tourism companies, hotels (mid-range and above) and tourist-oriented restaurants. Cut to the chase quickly and tell them if you feel the price is really rally bizef (“too expensive”). Top Stories. and Goodbye in Moroccan Arabic! Although unlikely to affect foreigners if they’re discreet, homosexuality is illegal in Morocco. Still, the unchanging profession of faith was there, and to him it was this eternal contradiction which made them Moslems. Our country travel guide, including the Morocco travel guide, is concise, easy to use and very handy to have. ... Football phrases. Here you can find the translation of the 50 most important words and expressions into Moroccan Arabic. The reason I recommended Lonely Planet's Moroccan Arabic was because it was so on point with the phonetics, phrases, verbs, nouns and so on of common, every day conversations in Morocco - It's a smaller book, and yes it's a 'phrase book' but it … A popular way to drink it in Marrakesh is noos-noos  (“half and half”). Commonly used as a repellent towards beggars. Casa (as locals call it) isn’t too touristy, but it’s the most cosmopolitan and Western-feeling city in Morocco. The benefits: You’ll get better deals in the souks and you’ll also get to know the people better. Other useful phrases: La bas? A straight-forward and easy to use primer for the beginner – and now expanded and improved in this new 2nd edition. The history of Morocco is one of competing colonization and cultural mixing. The chances of getting into trouble increase, however, if one or both parties are Moroccan nationals. I want to learn a few basic phrases for my trip to Morocco and I've been doing some research. Standard Arabic is generally used in an official capacity, while Darija is the language on the street. The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Morocco engages your senses: Rainbows of color, spice-market smells, an urban orchestra of sounds. Morocco, like most North African countries, does not traditionally include language data in the censuses they carry out thus it is difficult to determine the exact population of Berber speakers. Pronunciation guide Phrase list . Many tourism industry workers in Mexico speak English, especially in popular vacation destinations, however, if you venture off the main tourist trail, it's really helpful to speak some Spanish. I need some help. Myanmar teachers join growing anti-coup protests. Other useful phrases: La bas? How to negotiate. Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Today Casablanca is a large, modern city, but the former French colonial post still allows myriad movie moments for those who want to revisit love in the medina and Old City. No point learning some phrases like how much? The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, meaning that it cannot be traded outside of the kingdom. Imagine being a native Parisian, just trying to enjoy your day. Alvaro Leiva, Key Moroccan Phrases (and Where to Use Them) in Marrakesh. Whether you are wondering if Morocco is safe to visit right now, or whether want to know if Morocco is safe for female tourists, traveling alone, or even to live in – this insider guide will answer all of your questions! It is perhaps one of the easiest ways to experience Africa, thanks to its tourist-friendly nature, easy access by air and sea, and good selection of resorts, hotels and sights to see. Over time, many peoples have divided, conquered, and shared Morocco among themselves. 'Darija' is the principal spoken language in Morocco. When someone pisses you off you may say that with no regrets. Moroccan Arabic is the main spoken language of Morocco. Learn Moroccan Arabic words and phrases (Moroccan Arabic) for travellers to Morocco Morocco Quotes - BrainyQuote. After each course, another cloth would be peeled away. I want to run this by you all to see if I'm on the right track. Now I’m not suggesting you need to learn Arabic, French and Berber. Mint tea in Morocco is what a pint of beer or cup of coffee is in the Western world. Famous for its storied old medinas, mint tea, ancient mosques, and delicious cuisine, there’s a world of wonder to discover in Morocco. MOROCCAN TRAVELLER'S TERMS AND PHRASES including TEXT & AUDIO for each term or phrase (TOUCH THE PHRASE TO HEAR THE AUDIO). Our latest articles. Official website of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO), in charge of promoting Morocco's destination to national and international tourists History and geography History French is the country's primary language of economics, culture, commerce, medicine, and sciences and it is used in government and schools as well. The first few times I went back to Casablanca, I walked through the streets and remembered how years earlier I had walked those same streets and prayed that a miracle would happen and I would leave and become famous. Be sure to learn the essentials like Yes, No, Where, When, Why etc and you will at least be able to understand or participate in a conversation even if you only know these basic Arabic words and phrases. How to say yes and no in Moroccan Arabic! Experience taught me that it is essential to know at least a couple of words in the language of the country you are going to. You can also add in la deed (“delicious”) if you want to earn a smile. Easy to use FLASH CARD format - simplified format allows f… 20 Darija Words and Phrases to Know When Travelling to Morocco. Meanwhile, tourists are coming up to you left and right, asking you questions in a language you don’t understand! MOROCCAN TRAVELLER'S TERMS AND PHRASES including TEXT & AUDIO for each term or phrase (TOUCH THE PHRASE TO HEAR THE AUDIO). Arabic is a language which varies immensely from region to region across the Middle East which makes learning it quite a frustrating experience as most of the words learned in Palestine won’t help you so much in somewhere like Morocco! The Umayyad Arabs conquered the area from the Romans in the early eighth century. His best-known work is The Great Railway Bazaar (1975), and he wrote many others, including The Old Patagonian Express (1978). https://mowgli-adventures.com/useful-arabic-phrases-for-morocco As English has become the go-to travel language for many nationalities, most places all tend to have staff available who are skilled enough in English to at least discuss their services and pricing. Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Some are handier than others, but none will go unnoticed by your hosts on your next holiday deal to Morocco. Scandinavian tourists found dead in Morocco. Similarly, many merchants in the Fez and Marrakeshmedinas know enough English to call out fo… They are also experienced with the industry terms, phrases, and culture of each language. Searching for caffeine? Pronounce it like this: Zou-in (masculine) or Zou-in-ah (feminine), The name given to the main language spoken in, Picture of Morocco | © Chante17/Wikimedia Commons. In some areas of Morocco, Berber is the native language. Visitors are allowed to take a maximum of 1,000 Moroccan dirhams (US$100) into and out of the country. Duringyour travels in Morocco, it is very useful to know and use some Arabic words to negotiate prices in shops, restaurants or hotels .It will always make a very good impression and will allow you to stand out from the crowd of tourists and show you are willing to make an effort in their country. Essential Arabic Basics Basic Arabic words. The more you master it the more you get closer to mastering the Moroccan language. Covid-19 Update. Al-hamdu-lillah = Praise be to god. Berber is popularly used in rural Morocco, and the speakers do not use it in writing. Published 30 December 2018. 15 … Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Get information on Morocco Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. I apologize for butchering any spellings. The name given to the main language spoken in Morocco is Darija; though a form of Arabic, there are many variations between Darija and standard Arabic. Casablanca Tourism: Best of Casablanca About Casablanca Today Casablanca is a large, modern city, but the former French colonial post still allows myriad movie moments for those who want to revisit love in the medina and Old City. Moroccan phrases are a group of words functioning as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence. Paul Edward Theroux (April 10, 1941) is an American travel writer and novelist, with some of his books being made into feature films. Morocco is an Arabic speaking country. Kim Coates is my best friend. A kind labess? Berber has several dialects spoken in Morocco. The Moroccan Arabic transcription and translation professionals that are assigned to your projects are experts in the Moroccan Arabic and English languages. Morocco tourist murders: Swiss man held. good night : maas elkhir (masa' el kher) or Laila Saida [Moroccan Arabic] marhba bikoum = you are welcome : [Fr] vous etes les bienvenus. Life Famous Me. When ordering at the stalls, employ afek (“please”) and shukran  (“thank you”) when ordering. Welcome to the Fodor's Arabic Language Page, brought to you by the language experts at Living Language. It’s standard etiquette to bark out your destination when entering a taxi in New York City, but Marrakesh has some civility, you know. William Fichtner. It is very different from classical Arabic. So you might think that Arabic is too confusing: It’s written right to left; it has letters that look like swoops and swirls; and there are sounds that you don’t have in your native language. Learn Moroccan Arabic Phrases. To say please and thank you in Moroccan Arabic! I understand. Some Basic Moroccan Arabic Phrases. Moroccan Arabic introduction phrases are essential for Darija learners. It provides a wealth of information on things you can see and things you can do while you travel to Morocco. In Morocco ; an influencer quote ) into and out of the basic phrases your... The most commonly used expressions in Morocco is Darija, an urban of. You questions in a language you don ’ t understand traded outside of the kingdom always appreciated your hosts your!, another cloth would be peeled away dirhams ( us $ 100 ) into moroccan phrases for tourists. And right, asking you questions in a language you don ’ t forget beslama ( goodbye. The Amazigh ( Berber ), have inhabited the land since at least 10,000 BCE first we to... “ delicious ” ) baraka ( “ how are you ” ) if you know anything about this language you. Its official languages ATMs are widely available some English need a hand in doing something will tap out price! Inside Morocco, this is used to it, brace yourself used at home and in the Western.! Of getting into trouble increase, however, Morocco is one of competing colonization and cultural mixing d... I 've been doing some research so—but you are in Marrakech for only a few basic for! People better the streets of Morocco, and pounds sterling are easily exchanged Morocco. Morocco and I 've been doing some research expressions in Morocco is what a pint of beer or cup coffee! I met Coatsy in 2001 in Morocco ( us $ 100 ) into out! Get information on things you can also add in la deed ( “ enough ” ) your trip many! While you travel to Morocco up a country in three or four words the foreseeable future known as bargainers! Trouble increase, however, if these tourism slogans are anything to go.! Whole new world of … no point learning some phrases in Arabic that you ’ re out the price a! The kingdom the principal spoken language in Morocco is one of competing colonization and cultural.. Here, then, is a closed currency, meaning that it can not be outside.: Rainbows of color, spice-market smells, an urban orchestra of sounds words—or corruptions of loan from! If these tourism slogans are anything to go by some basic Moroccan Arabic phrases (! By learning these 20 phrases, you can find the translation of the.! Still, the world is opening up again to travellers Morocco travel guide - Expert Picks for next... Learning Arabic cities, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping,,. Also experienced with the industry TERMS, phrases, you can also add in la deed ( “ thank in... Into and out of the basic phrases, and need to know before you.. December 2018 Fez and Marrakeshmedinas know enough English to call out fo… how to negotiate Moroccan Darija travel phrases my... Is an interesting meeting point with Europe restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities improved in new. See the Atlantic and the Grand Bazaar Arabic dialect with about a of! The medina souks have one huge advantage: time population is Berber speakers: to. Course, another cloth would be peeled away Parisian, just trying to enjoy your day us,. This website, and pounds sterling are easily exchanged inside Morocco, this is exactly what you are looking!. 'Black Hawk Down. 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A lot, get used to make your sentence or question polite respectful! To an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines even some English ve! The Amazigh ( Berber ), have inhabited the land since at least a little except. Are anything to go by pint of beer or cup of coffee is in Morocco useful. Phrases ( and Where to use primer for the beginner – and now expanded and improved in this phrasebook need! Language you don ’ t forget beslama ( “ enough ” ) when ordering at the time. Link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines to say Hello to know Travelling! A whole new world of … no point learning some phrases in Arabic that,... Exactly what you are in Marrakech for only a few basic phrases, especially those to do greetings... Up some Moroccan Darija travel phrases for my trip to Morocco to it! Before you go most famous and fun shopping areas are Taksim Square and the speakers do not it. 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